How Do I...

Trade Tutorials

The Export Tutorials guide users through international business topics in order to sharpen, refine, or build current knowledge. Read through answers to common questions concerning financial considerations, government regulations, logistics, and sales and marketing to become an exporting expert.

This section of globalEDGE provides interactive educational tools for use in the classroom or in executive training. These modules focus on multiple areas pertinent to international business and most modules include cases or anecdotes, a glossary of terms, quiz questions, and a list of references where applicable. The modules are also excellent resources to prepare for the Certified Global Business Professional Credential.

globalEDGE provides a compilation of definitions and descriptions of terms and acronyms used for International Business. Includes terms used in economics, finance, investing, accounting, tax, and general business language conventions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of International Trade (OIT) developed this Trade Guide as an information tool to assist American business in developing international markets. This Guide will help answer questions and take the mystery out of exporting. Opens in PDF format.

Exporting Your Way to Success is a collection of articles for small businesses or entrepreneurs interested in exploring the world of exporting and also provides the necessary paperwork requirements pertaining to exporting. The site provides links to useful general exporting information as well as information on trade with specific regions.

Provided by Export.gov, the Export Education Guide contains pertinent information on product preparation, finding foreign markets, logistics, and the financial and legal considerations of exporting. Also available is a video series that provides a detailed walk-through of the exporting process in terms of preparation and market entry strategy.

Created by the International Trade Administration, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Tariff Tool provides access to both tariff and trade data in a searchable public interface. Users can use the free online tool to see how the United States and FTA partner tariffs on specific products are treated under trade agreements. Tariff elimination schedules are also provided.

The Global Trade Portal is the official web site of the Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA). The portal offers a variety of trade tools, such as information on customs and tariffs, intellectual property rights, trade barriers, and more. The FITA Global Trade Portal also includes free market reports, trade leads, and resources for global business travel.

Foreign Trade Online provides a number of resource items such as directories, a trade glossary, and shipping information. The site includes useful information for exporters such as exchange rates, world time zones, and measurements and conversions. Trade show information and global news are also accessible from the site. Access to certain databases require a paid membership fee.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: How to assess if and when your company is ready to export; how exporting will affect your company; questions to ask before exporting; and how to create an export plan. There is also a case study included in this module.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: U.S Commercial Service assistance; additional government agency assistance; and assistance from chambers of commerce. There is also a case study included in this module.

The Global Market Opportunity Assessment module provides information on the following issues: the importance of assessing global market opportunities; how companies conduct market opportunity assessment; what makes market research effective; practical approaches to identifying foreign market opportunities. A sample global market opportunity assessment questionnaire and a case study on Thailand’s growing importance in the global export market are also included in the module.

The Internationalization Process of the Firm module discusses many issues, including the internationalization process of companies that want to conduct international business, the different frameworks and theories regarding how companies handle the internationalization process, the role of company size on a company’s ability to efficiently achieve its internationalization goals, the factors that dictate the choice of a particular foreign market entry mode, and why gradual entry used to be the method of choice but is becoming obsolete. The module also offers an interactive quiz and further globalEDGE resources related to the topic.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: Finding the best approach to exporting your company; different techniques when exporting; separating international from domestic business; finding overseas partners, agents and distributors. There is also a case study on the business LightStream Technologies included.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. The first section covers how to adapt your product to meet government regulations, country conditions, or preferences. The second section covers how to modify your product, labeling, and packaging. There is also a case study included on the company Falcon Waterfree Technologies.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module covers why you should sell globally; agencies that specialize in helping small to medium-sized businesses export successfully; old assumptions about exporting that may not be accurate; and how to transform yourself and your business through exporting. There is also a case study included in this module.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module covers methods of obtaining foreign trade income, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of technology licensing and joint ventures. There is also a case study included on Spancrete Machinery Corporation.

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) provides viewers with information on international trade and supply chain. They provide import and export services for businesses, along with assisting in complex trade financing, Renminbi (RMB) trade settlement, E-enabled trade services, and other trade solutions.

Hosted by The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative, "A Guide for e-Commerce Expansion" is an online module that helps e-commerce business owners learn about issues regarding taxation, customs, and overseas payments that come with going global. The site also provides users with a tutorial on how to use e-commerce to trade products overseas.

International Business Training (IBT) publishes new articles weekly about various aspects of international trade. These articles cover topics regarding export and import documents, NAFTA and other Free Trade Agreements, export marketing and sales, letters of credit and other payment options, and transportation law. The extensive archives on the site allow you to search for previous articles by topic. Users can access articles for no charge and reference books are available for purchase on the site.

The International Economics Study Center is provided by an academic researcher from George Washington University. The side includes links to online textbooks and a personal blog, both containing a vast amount of information for those interested in international trade, international finance and current events. Registration and purchase is required to view the books.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the technical cooperation agency of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) for operational, enterprise-oriented aspects of trade development. ITC supports developing and transition economies, particularly their business sectors, in their efforts to realize the full potential for developing exports and improving import operations. This site features country specific trade data, market development services, and business support resources. Additionally, various publications regarding specific countries, industries, and trade tactics are available for free PDF download under the publications tab. Also, a specific section is provided for exporters, which includes information on export management, quality management, marketing and branding, and more.

The Trade Map by the International Trade Centre is an interactive database pertaining to international trade and exports. Information such as market trends, tariff information, indicators on export performance, market studies, international demand, and a wide array of trade information is available. You can search indicators by country or country groups. A free registration is required to view most content and a paid subscription enables full access to the site.

The Videos on Incoterms page was developed by Maco Customs Service to define and explain the terms of delivery for the most recent 2010 Incoterms. Incoterms are guidelines used for creating contracts that govern international trade agreements.

A service provided by the European Commission in cooperation with member states, consists of a number of databases analyzing market access conditions, barriers to trade, and sanitary and phytosanitary issues for non-EU countries. Access to the SPS Database, Trade Barriers Database, and Statistical Database is free; however, information under the Exporters Guide to Import Formalities and Applied Tariffs is only available to users connecting from any of the 28 European Union member states.

Provided by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers includes detailed information on import and export regulations for each country. Additional reports on trade policy, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and technical barriers to trade are also available. An archive of all the old reports dating back to 2007 is provided under "Reports and Publications" section.

The New Approach and European Standardization is a joint effort of the European Union (EU) State Members to develop a single market, remove technical barriers to trade, and ensure the free movement of goods between Member States. This site provides access to information on standards and routes into the standardization process.

Sponsored by Livingston International Inc., the Importers/Exporters Resource Center provides a variety of tools and resources for those interested in importing into the United States or Canada. Here you can find how-to guides, articles, and tips for inbound and outbound logistics.

Provided by Polson Enterprises, "How to Learn About an Industry or a Specific Company" is a useful link for those considering expanding into new markets. Follow the 22 steps described in this page to discover the opportunities of expanding abroad, either with new products, or with acquisitions. The site provides information for both industries and individual companies.

Ralph F. Jagodka's study, which was conducted in 1998, identified the skills needed to be effective in international marketing. This site provides a deeper look at the level of importance of each of these skills.

Ten3 Business E-Coach is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs who are planning on starting a company or small-businesses and want to expand their reach, either domestically or internationally. The site includes information on start-ups, customer satisfaction, establishing corporate structure, strategic management, and many other topics.

As the US government monitors foreign compliance with trade agreements, the Trade Compliance Center assists exporters and importers in resolving trade barriers or unfair situations encountered in foreign markets. This resource offers a free database of bilateral trade pacts and trade related agreements. It also lists websites to trade and governmental agencies.

Trade Services Update, previously named L/C Monitor, is a bi-monthly legal financial journal managed by several business editors from all over the world that covers practical aspects of trade finance such as letters of credit, documentary collections, and related payment instruments. The website also includes a database of all articles previously published by the journal. A free subscription is required to receive the publication and to get a free trial to access the database.

TradePort, through the Monterey Bay International Trade Association (MBITA) and the TradePort network, provides a resource center for trade information and assistance. TradePort additionally offers trade development services and support for California and North American businesses seeking to market around the world, international buyers seeking to purchase products from North America, and overseas sellers seeking to market select products in North America.

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Export Library is a collection of resources designed to assist small businesses in exporting their products. There are several quick facts sheets about exporting, along with more in-depth guides and even online courses and informational videos. These resources are designed to help businesses start, grow, and succeed in exporting. These tools can be helpful to anyone considering taking their business global.

The UK Trade Infosite provides information and guidelines on various topics including trade statistics, building your own data tables, and the use of Intrastat (Intra EC Trade Statistics). The Intrastat provides a method of collecting information on the movement of goods between countries of the European Union. UK Trade Info outlines all the necessary steps to complete the required paperwork and procedures to trade with the European Union. The Intrastat codes are available on the ICN Online page.

The Institute of Export (IOE) is a trade portal catering to United Kingdom businesses looking to expand their services abroad. Topics presented include foreign exchange, traveling in foreign countries, and legal issues one might encounter. While the resource is specifically written for British companies, the information provided is useful to anyone interested in global business. Many of the training services require membership fees, however, plenty of information is available for free.

Export-U2 is a free export training website funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This training site helps small businesses in America grow their sales by conducting international business. Various webinars and training tools are offered to help small businesses prepare for international business operations. A useful links page is also provided. Free registration is required to access the export training tools.

This is the official website of the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the United States Department of Commerce. It provides access to ITA's information and services regarding U.S. international trade policy. With its search engine, readers can easily find local offices, analysis reports, trade statistics, publications, and other international trade related information.

The Trade Finance Guide, provided by the U.S. International Trade Administration, is designed to help U.S. companies learn the basics of trade finance. Individual chapters offer information on financing techniques from open accounts, to forfaiting, to government assisted foreign-buyer financing. The guide is available in PDF as a complete document and as individual chapters.

The UPS Snapshots for Small Businesses guides provide an overview of global markets that present significant opportunity to U.S. businesses, whether they are just beginning to explore international trade or already expanding to new markets. Although the information is geared toward U.S. small businesses, the info is useful to any small business around the world. Snapshot countries include Mexico, Germany, India, Vietnam, Brazil, and Poland. Also included are shipping guides, specifically focusing on shipping to China, Canada, and Mexico.

The World Bank's Trade section features data and statistics on world trade and logistics, as well as publications and reports to be purchased or downloaded. It also offers a series of documents on research topics like poverty and trade. Finally, it provides documents that pertain to topics on training and capacity building, such as agriculture and trade facilitation.